Garage Sale

So, on April 9th, we held a garage sale along with then neighborhood. The truth is, we didnt' think we had much to sell, but as we have gone through the house over the last few months, we have come across little things here and there that we don't need or use but that we didn't know what to do with. So, when this garage sale date came up, we decided to try it out! The biggest thing we sold was for $25 and we had a few $5 items, but most of what we sold was $2 or less. So, we were so happy when we made $239! And, we didn't have a large load to take to Goodwill either. We sold things like some kitchen items that we didn't use, a few random scrapbook things that are out of date, a few home item like pillows and decor, a headboard and frame, a double stroller, some hand me down baby clothes, a few other baby items that over time we have replaced, some of Vic's jeans/dress pants/shirts, some picture frames, a wine chiller that we just never used, books/dvds/vhs and some odds and ends. So, see - we didn't have much to sell! A few other things we learned that helped us that I want to remember for our next garage sale:

1. We borrowed tables from the church and had just enough to lay everything out. We laid out every little item - nothing was put into a box to dig through. I think that helps people find things and decided to buy them easier.

2. We gave away a couple of things for free. I had a baby box with some little hats and socks and misc. in it and said "free" and we gave away a grill that didn't work but could be fixed, for free. People loved that!

3. We got $200 worth of change but probably only needed $100 for what we did. Also, we read that it was smartest to take the person's money and lay it on the table and give them their change before putting their money into yours. Then, there is no discrepancy if they give you a $20 and you think they gave you a $10 or vice versa. We had great luck, but I could see where that could be a problem if you had a dishonest person or just got confused yourself.

4. We played music in the background - just the radio, but it made it less awkward and quiet for us while people are shopping.

5. We used our ladder spread out longways and laid it on top of two rubbermaid containers on the tables. This allowed us to use it to hang clothes which, in turn, helped them sell better!! It also gave us another level to put things on top for people to buy.

6. We also probably priced things well - our goal was to get it out of our house. So, we didn't price things too much although we probably could have priced certain things a little higher here and there.

7. We also used the wall to hang things on and that seemed to be a good way to save table space.

8. We kept ours in the garage because we had enough room and our driveway is so steep. But, if we had more, it would probably be good to move it out a little into the garage. Also, we were super lucky on weather because the sun rises behind our house AND the weather was overcast so it was not hot! 

9. We got completely ready the night before. I was glad because while the garage sale was 7-12, people were out at 6:45 shopping. And, I drove to get us some breakfast about 6:45 and saw a girl just then setting out tables nad getting her stuff out. While it was busy until about 11, most people were coming in small droves starting at 7am and they were ready to go!

10. The cutest part was when Atticus finally got out there. He loved being a part of helping and was good too. Thankfully, Grace wasn't as interested so it was ok having Atticus out there. Towards the end, Vic joked with Atticus to "reel some customers in". It was so funny when he came running into the house at one point and said "Mommy! I rolled TWO customers in!".

11.  Overall, while it was a success and we felt so good about getting things out of the house and purging, garage sales are a lot of work. Thank goodness for Vic who is strong and organized and did all the heavy lifting and dealing with people during the day. My body, at least right now, is so tired and I could never have even done half the garage sale work. So, hooray for Vic! And hooray for a successful day!